John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a direct challenge to Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, urging him to address five critical questions regarding Ghana’s economic management.
Mahama, campaigning in the Northern Region, called on Dr. Bawumia to clarify several economic issues he says have significantly impacted Ghanaians’ livelihoods under the current administration.
During his speech, Mahama criticized Dr. Bawumia’s focus on digitalization initiatives, suggesting that the Vice President has overlooked urgent economic challenges. Mahama stressed that addressing the economy is essential to improving the living conditions of Ghanaians, listing what he sees as the key areas of concern:
- Escalating National Debt: Mahama questioned why Ghana’s national debt has skyrocketed from GHS 120 billion to GHS 767 billion under Dr. Bawumia’s stewardship. He argued that this steep rise in debt burdens future generations and requires an explanation from the Vice President.
- Surging Inflation: With inflation hitting a record 54% during Dr. Bawumia’s tenure, Mahama pressed him to explain why this rise occurred and how the administration plans to address the ongoing inflationary pressure on consumer prices.
- Cedi Depreciation Against the Dollar: Noting the sharp depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar, Mahama questioned why Dr. Bawumia, who previously campaigned on promises to stabilize the currency, has failed to uphold those commitments.
- Borrowing from the Bank of Ghana: Mahama raised concerns about the government’s GHS 42 billion borrowing from the Bank of Ghana. He urged Dr. Bawumia to clarify the necessity and impact of this significant borrowing on the nation’s economic health.
- Emphasis on Digitalization Over Core Economic Issues: Mahama expressed skepticism over Dr. Bawumia’s prioritization of digitalization, questioning why the Vice President appears to focus more on technology initiatives than on addressing the pressing economic concerns affecting Ghanaians.
Mahama concluded by urging Dr. Bawumia to answer these questions directly, emphasizing that they reflect the public’s interest in understanding the current economic situation. “We don’t need 170 questions; just these five,” Mahama asserted, reiterating his belief that transparency on these issues is crucial for Ghana’s future.
The NDC leader’s challenge highlights the ongoing debate between the NDC and the current administration on economic policy and governance. With the upcoming election drawing near, both candidates are expected to increasingly focus on the economy, which remains a central issue for voters across the country.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
